Which Preschool Program Is Right For My Child?

Did you know that Veritas has a preschool program, too? For families with children ages three to five, it's an excellent "first step" into a school environment. We know that the thought of sending your child to preschool for the first time can be exciting - but also at times overwhelming and even a little frightening for parents. This guide will help you think through this decision with confidence!

Your little one is ready for preschool, but with all the scheduling options out there, how do you know which one is right for you and your family?

Many factors play into a decision like this. You need a class that will work with your family's schedule and will best suit your child’s needs. As Preschool Director, I often encounter parents who wonder which class is right for their child, and so I write this post in order to help you sort through the options to decide what program is ideal for your budding student to bloom.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding what will work best for your family.

Preschool: 3 & 4 Year Olds

Currently, Veritas Preschool offers two programs for children who will be age three by September 1. We offer:

• A Two-Morning program which meets 8:30 - 11:30 AM
• A Three-Morning program which meets on Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 8:30 - 11:30 AM.

Each of these programs provides young students opportunities to transition into a school routine.

The Two-Morning program delivers a great introduction to schooling. It allows your child to experience a schooling experience while interacting with their peers without overwhelming a weekly schedule. Many families have who plan to hold their child back a year from kindergarten have found this class to be a helpful first step. They found success by beginning with the Two-Morning program, moving into the Three-Morning class, and then completing their time at Veritas Preschool with the Five-Morning program before entering kindergarten. This Two-Morning schedule is also helpful to parents who want the opportunity to run errands kid-free while their child is enjoying a safe and structured environment.

The Three-Morning preschool program is a great choice for eager learners. Children who have been itching to start school have the opportunity to attend school a few mornings a week. They enjoy more time interacting with their classmates, and they have more time in the schedule for a few extra activities. This schedule also works well if you have a child enrolled in the Three-Morning Pre-Kindergarten program as well. Children tend to adjust quickly to this schedule by attending school nearly every other day. This schedule provides a good stepping stone towards a Five-Morning program.

Pre-Kindergarten 4 & 5 Year Olds

Our Pre-Kindergarten program provides three options for families. Children who are age 4 by September are eligible for these programs.

We offer the following Pre-Kindergarten programs:

• Three-Morning Pre-K which meets Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 8:30 - 11:30 AM.
• Five-Morning Pre-K which meets Monday-Friday from 8:30 - 11:30 AM
• Two-Full-Day Pre-K which meets on Tuesday & Thursdays from 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM.

Each program offers unique benefits for children.

The Three-Morning Pre-K provides a good stepping stone into a schooling routine. Often families choose to begin schooling at the pre-kindergarten age. Families enjoy this option as it eases their child into the new experience while having some rest days in between school days. The students have plenty of classroom experience and time to play with their friends without overwhelming their schedule. Many families have found this class beneficial if they plan to wait a year for kindergarten. The three morning schedule works well for students who may spend another year in pre-kindergarten before entering kindergarten at age 5.

The Five-Morning Pre-K schedule provides children a daily routine experience. They are able to enjoy fuller lessons stretched out over a weekly schedule. This class is popular with students who have already turned five but are not quite ready for kindergarten. Students who love school and thrive off of social activity also enjoy the chance to come to school every week day. The daily schedule prepares them well for kindergarten and provides many opportunities to strengthen their academic and social skills.

Our Two-Full-Day Pre-K program is a popular choice with students who will be attending a full day kindergarten. It typically takes 2-3 weeks for children to adjust to a full day routine. Not only do the children experience the same academic and social benefits of the morning program, but they also receive more self-help and time management skill-building opportunities. They enjoy eating lunch with their friends at school, which prepares them for eating their lunch on a school schedule. They also enjoy an additional recess and a rest time. The lunch time and extra recess provide more time for students to engage in their friendships.

Unique Programs for Unique Children

Each of Veritas Preschool’s programs provides children with hands on learning and opportunities to build social skills, preparing children for their future schooling ventures. Attending preschool also gives your child a chance to make friends their age and adjust to structured routines.

Every child is unique - and uniquely precious, to you as their parents, to their Veritas teachers, and to the Lord above all. At Veritas Preschool, we offer a variety of options to help you and your child feel comfortable and flourish with skilled, loving teachers in a nurturing, Christ-centered environment.

If you want to get to know us better and explore Veritas Preschool, I invite you to come visit us for a private tour or Open House! Click here to learn more, and I look forward to meeting you and your little one soon!